Ozone concentrator

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for dissolving ozone gas in a liquid. An embodiment can comprise a tank having an upper region, a lower region, and a discharge outlet, all disposed in a specified geometry. A pump can be coupled with a liquid inlet in order to receive a liquid therefrom and to deliver the liquid via a pipe to the upper region of the tank. The pump can be coupled with the lower region of the tank in order to receive the liquid from the tank and to recirculate the liquid to the upper region of the tank. The apparatus can include an ozone inlet to receive ozone into the tank. The ozone inlet can comprise a venturi inlet disposed on the pipe downstream of the pump. The liquid can be released from the tank and depressurized, thereby providing for the ozone to emerge from the liquid as gas bubbles. The released liquid can be selected for a two-stage gas and aqueous cleaning process.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to ozone concentrators.

BACKGROUND

Water that contains dissolved ozone is known to be a good sanitizingagent. Such ozonated water can be used for washing fruits, vegetables,poultry, meat, containers, and the like. It can also be used to cleanboth the inside and outside of process equipment, such as washingprocess and bottling equipment, by hosing down the equipment withozonated water and pumping ozonated water through the pumps, tanks,mixers, bottlers, and pipelines. The length of time required for aspecific sanitization level can be inversely related to theconcentration of dissolved ozone in the water. That is, the higher theconcentration of ozone in the water, the shorter the length of timerequired for a particular sanitization level to be achieved. Someconventional sanitizing systems have been able to achieve ozonated waterof only approximately 2-4 ppm of dissolved ozone.

SUMMARY

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thesystem: where the ozone inlet includes a venturi inlet disposed on thepipe downstream of the pump. The system: where the pump is configured topump the liquid at a sufficient pressure to produce a vacuum at theventuri inlet, thereby drawing at least some of the ozone into the pipe.The system further including: a pressure regulator disposed between theliquid inlet and the pump; where the pressure regulator is configured toregulate pressure of the liquid; and, where the sufficient pressure isadequate to overcome a regulated pressure set by the pressure regulator.The system further including: a static mixer coupled with the pipe anddisposed downstream of the ozone inlet and upstream of the tank. Thesystem further including: a degas valve coupled with the tank andconfigured to release gas from the tank. The system further including:an inlet tube coupled between the liquid inlet and the pump, the inlettube disposed in the lower region of the tank; where the inlet tubeincludes at least one aperture configured to extract liquid from thetank, thereby recirculating the liquid via the pipe to the tank. Thesystem further including: an exit outlet coupled with the tank; wherethe system is configured to deliver the liquid to the upper region ofthe tank at a location spaced from the exit outlet, thereby providing acontact time for dissolving ozone in the liquid and degassing theliquid. The system further including: a valve disposed between theliquid inlet and the pump. The system further including: an exit outletcoupled with the tank, where the tank is configured to maintain apressure higher than an ambient pressure outside the tank and proximateto the exit outlet. The system further including: an ozone monitoringsystem coupled with the tank and configured to provide a measurement ofdissolved ozone within the tank, and, provide a control signalresponsive to the measurement; and, an ozone generator coupled with theozone inlet and configured to receive the control signal, and, providethe ozone responsive to the control signal. The method: where the ozoneis introduced into the flow of the liquid via a venturi inlet, and, theventuri inlet is on the pipe. The method further including the step of:pumping the flow of the liquid at a sufficient pressure, therebyproducing a vacuum at the venturi inlet; where the vacuum is sufficientto draw at least some of the ozone into the pipe. The method furtherincluding the step of: providing a release rate for releasing the liquidfrom the tank, where the liquid is recirculated at a recirculation ratewithin a range of 1 to 6 times the release rate. The method furtherincluding the steps of: measuring dissolved ozone within the tank,thereby providing a measurement; providing a control signal responsiveto the measurement; and, generating the ozone responsive to the controlsignal. The method further including the step of: receiving the flow ofthe liquid into the tank at a distance from an exit outlet, therebyproviding a contact time for dissolving ozone in the liquid anddegassing the liquid. The method further including the steps of:measuring dissolved ozone within the tank, thereby providing ameasurement; providing a control signal responsive to the measurement;and, generating the ozone responsive to the control signal.Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, amethod or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a method of dissolving ozone in a liquid,including the steps of: introducing ozone into a flow of a liquid in apipe into a tank; recirculating at least a portion of the liquid fromthe tank via the pipe into the tank; and, releasing the liquid from thetank, thereby depressurizing the liquid (in some embodiments at thenozzle or exit outlet 140) and providing for at least some of the ozoneto emerge from the liquid as gas bubbles. Other embodiments of thisaspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computerprograms recorded on one or more computer storage devices, eachconfigured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themethod: where the ozone is introduced into the flow of the liquid via aventuri inlet, and, the venturi inlet is on the pipe. The method furtherincluding the step of: pumping the flow of the liquid at a sufficientpressure, thereby producing a vacuum at the venturi inlet; where thevacuum is sufficient to draw at least some of the ozone into the pipe.The method further including the step of: providing a release rate forreleasing the liquid from the tank, where the liquid is recirculated ata recirculation rate within a range of 1 to 6 times the release rate.The method further including the steps of: measuring dissolved ozonewithin the tank, thereby providing a measurement; providing a controlsignal responsive to the measurement; and, generating the ozoneresponsive to the control signal. The method further including the stepof: receiving the flow of the liquid into the tank at a distance from anexit outlet, thereby providing a contact time for dissolving ozone inthe liquid and degassing the liquid. The method further including thesteps of: measuring dissolved ozone within the tank, thereby providing ameasurement; providing a control signal responsive to the measurement;and, generating the ozone responsive to the control signal.Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, amethod or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a method of dissolving ozone in a liquid,including the steps of: providing a flow of a liquid in a pipe into atank; introducing ozone into the flow of the liquid via a venturi inlet,where the venturi inlet is on the pipe; pumping the flow of the liquidat a sufficient pressure, thereby producing a vacuum at the venturiinlet; and, recirculating at least a portion of the liquid from the tankvia the pipe into the tank; where the vacuum is sufficient to draw atleast some of the ozone into the pipe. Other embodiments of this aspectinclude corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programsrecorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured toperform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themethod further including the step of: receiving the flow of the liquidinto the tank at a distance from an exit outlet, thereby providing acontact time for dissolving ozone in the liquid and degassing theliquid. The method further including the steps of: measuring dissolvedozone within the tank, thereby providing a measurement; providing acontrol signal responsive to the measurement; and, generating the ozoneresponsive to the control signal. Implementations of the describedtechniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computersoftware on a computer-accessible medium.

A system of one or more computers can be configured to performparticular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware,hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that inoperation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or morecomputer programs can be configured to perform particular operations oractions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by dataprocessing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. Onegeneral aspect includes a system for dissolving ozone in a liquid,including: a tank including an upper region, a lower region coupled withthe upper region, and a discharge outlet disposed between the upperregion and the lower region; a pipe coupled with the tank and thedischarge outlet; a liquid inlet configured to provide a liquid; a pumpcoupled with the pipe and the liquid inlet and configured to receive theliquid from the liquid inlet, and, deliver the liquid via the pipe tothe upper region; and, an ozone inlet coupled with the pipe andconfigured to receive ozone, thereby providing ozone to the tank. Otherembodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an elevation view of an ozone concentrator system.

FIG. 2 depicts a top plan view of an ozone concentrator system.

FIG. 3 depicts an ozone monitoring system.

FIG. 4 depicts a method for dissolving ozone in a liquid.

FIG. 5 depicts a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Diagram 100 depicts some embodiments of an apparatus for dissolvingozone in a liquid. An apparatus comprises a tank 112 having an upperregion 146, a lower region 144, and a discharge outlet 136, all disposedin a specific geometry. In some embodiments, the discharge outlet 136can be disposed between the upper region 146 and the lower region 144.In other embodiments, the upper 146 and lower 144 regions and dischargeoutlet 136 can be arranged in any known and/or convenient geometry. Apump 128 can be coupled with a liquid inlet 114 to receive a liquid 110therefrom and to deliver the liquid via a pipe 134 to the upper region146 of the tank 112. Liquid 110 can be within many elements of thesystem 100, such as tank 112, pipe 134, pump 128, and inlet tube 124.Liquid is shown as filling tank 112 to water level 147. The pump 128 canbe coupled with the lower region 144 of the tank in order to receive theliquid from the tank 112 and to recirculate the liquid to the upperregion 146 of the tank 112. An ozone inlet 130 can be provided, in orderto receive ozone 156 into the tank 112.

In some embodiments, the ozone inlet 130 comprises a venturi inletdisposed on the pipe 134 downstream of the pump 128. A pressureregulator 118 can be disposed between the liquid inlet 114 and the pump128 in order to regulate the pressure of the liquid in the tank 112. Thepump 128 can be configured to pump the liquid at a sufficient pressureto produce a vacuum at the venturi inlet 130, thereby drawing ozone 156into the pipe 134. A static mixer 132 can be disposed downstream of theozone inlet 130 and upstream of the tank 112. A degas valve 138 can beprovided for releasing gas from the tank 112. Liquid can be desirablydelivered to the upper region 146 of the tank at a location spaced 145from an exit outlet 140. This distance 145 can provide for acorresponding contact time for dissolving ozone in the liquid anddegassing the liquid.

Some method embodiments for dissolving ozone in a liquid can compriseintroducing ozone 156 into a flow of a liquid 110 in a pipe 134 into atank 112, and recirculating at least a portion of the liquid from thetank 112 via the pipe 134 into the tank. Liquid can be released from thetank and depressurized (in some embodiments at the nozzle or exit outlet140), thereby causing ozone to emerge from the ozonated liquid 142 asgas bubbles. This emergence of the gas can cause surface agitation andsurface sanitizing by the ozone gas and the ozonated liquid, thusproviding for a two-stage gas and aqueous cleaning regimen. In someembodiments, ozone 156 can be introduced into the flow of liquid via aventuri inlet 130 provided on the pipe 134. A release rate for releasingliquid from the tank can be provided. In some embodiments, liquid can berecirculated at a recirculation rate in a range of 1-6 times the releaserate

Some method embodiments for dissolving ozone 156 in a liquid compriseproviding a flow of a liquid 110 in a pipe 134 into a tank, and pumpingthe flow of liquid. Ozone 156 can be introduced into the flow of theliquid via a venturi inlet 130 provided on the pipe 134. The flow ofliquid can be pumped at a sufficient pressure to produce a vacuum at theventuri inlet 130, thereby drawing the ozone 156 into the pipe 134.Liquid can be recirculated from the tank 112 via the pipe 134 into thetank 112.

Some embodiments of systems and methods as disclosed herein can provideozonated water having dissolved ozone levels of 10 ppm and higher. Thiscan be accomplished by a system that introduces ozone 156 into waterwhich is under pressure, circulates the water to dissolve the ozonetherein at a higher concentration, and releases the pressurized ozonatedwater 142. In some embodiments, the system can create large quantitiesof very small bubbles as the ozonated water becomes depressurized duringrelease. Solubilized gases, including ozone, can come out of thedepressurized ozonated water 142 solution, thereby providing the smalland/or micro bubbles. The bubbles can create surface agitation and canprovide direct ozone gas contact with the surfaces being treated. Thiscan provide a two-stage gas and aqueous cleaning regimen that can beeffective for sanitizing surfaces. Such a two-stage cleaning regimen canbe advantageously employed for treating some surfaces that are difficultto clean using only ozonated water. Some embodiments can be employed totreat water containing contaminating chemicals such as MTBE, TCE, PCE,or the like. A high concentration of ozone, such as provided by theseembodiments, can advantageously provide relatively faster and/or morecomplete oxidation of such contaminants.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a system embodiment 100 for producingozonated water having a high ozone concentration comprises a tank 112.Incoming water 110 can enter a water inlet 114, and desirably passthrough a pressure regulator 118, and a valve 120. In some embodiments,any known and/or convenient pressure regulator and/or valve can beemployed. In some embodiments, the valve 120 can be a solenoid valve.The water can flow through an inlet tube 124 which can be desirablydisposed in a lower region 144 of the tank 112. In some embodiments, theinlet tube 124 can be disposed proximate to the bottom of the tank 112.The inlet tube 124 can include one or more apertures 126. A pump 128 canbe coupled to the inlet tube 124 to pump water from the lower region 144to an upper region 146 of the tank 112 via a pipe 134. Such arecirculating pump 128 can draw incoming water from the inlet 114, andcan also extract and recirculate water in the tank 112 which enters theinlet tube 124 through the apertures 126. The water can pass through anozone inlet 130 and a static mixer 132 downstream of the pump 128. Insome embodiments, the ozone inlet 130 can be a venturi eductor, and canbe referred to herein as a venturi ozone inlet and/or a venturi inlet.Ozone 156 can be added to the water under negative pressure via theventuri ozone inlet 130 and mixed with the water in the static mixer132. In some embodiments, such ozone can be provided by an ozonegenerator 155. The water can pass through a discharge outlet 136 in anupper region 146 of the tank 112. Via the discharge 136, such water canenter the tank 112 below a water level 147 of the tank 112. In someembodiments, the water can enter the tank 112 12 inches below the waterlevel 147. However, in alternate embodiment any desired distance belowthe water level 147 of the tank 112 can be used. A degas valve 138 and apressure gauge 139 can be provided, and disposed at and/or proximate tothe top of the tank 112.

The apparatus 100 can comprise a skid and/or support upon which tank 112and pump 128 can be mounted. Tank 112 can comprise a drain fitting 116.In some embodiments, waste products from operation of the apparatus canemanate from drain fitting 116. Examples of such waste products cancomprise outputs of a degas valve 138 and/or sampled water output of anozone monitoring system 150.

In operation, water can flow from the upper region 146 to the lowerregion 144 of the tank 112. An ozonated water exit outlet 140, alsodescribed herein alternatively as an exit outlet and/or a water outletand/or an ozonated water outlet, can be provided for ozonated water 142to exit the tank 112. The exit outlet 140 can be disposed at an end ofthe inlet tube 124. Another, opposite end of the inlet tube 124 can bedisposed proximate to the pump 128. Upon exiting the tank 112, theozonated water 142 can be used for processing such as sanitizing andwashing. The exit outlet 140 can be desirably disposed closer to thebottom than the top of the tank 112, that is, within the lower region144. The exit outlet 140 can be disposed at a distance 145 from thedischarge 136 that corresponds to providing adequate contact time forthe water, and providing for degassing the water prior to the waterexiting the tank 112.

In such embodiments, incoming water can enter the inlet tube 124 in thelower region 144 proximate to the bottom of the tank 112, can be drawnby the pump 128 and ozonated prior to entering the tank 112 proximate tothe top of the tank 112, and can exit at the exit outlet 140. Thusincoming water 110 can be ozonated prior to entering the tank 112, anddegassed and ozonated water can exit the tank 112 via exit outlet 140before reaching the inlet tube 124. A specific contact time can bedetermined, with dependencies comprising a desired ozone concentrationand/or process conditions such as temperature and pressure. In sometypical embodiments, tank pressure can be maintained at a pressurehigher than an ambient pressure, such as an ambient pressure found justoutside the tank 112 and proximate to the exit outlet 140.

By recirculating water through the tank 112, a higher concentration,that is, a higher dissolved ozone level, can be achieved. The venturiozone inlet 130 can facilitate introduction of ozone 156 into thepressurized water. The pump 128 can preferably deliver water at asufficient pressure to overcome the regulated pressure of the incomingwater as set by the pressure regulator 118, thereby producing a vacuumat the venturi ozone inlet 130 sufficient to draw in the ozone 156. Insome embodiments, the pump 128 can be desirably sized to recirculate atleast approximately twice the maximum amount of water that can bedelivered through exit outlet 140. That is, the water recirculation ratecan be at least two times a specific water release rate. In someembodiments, the recirculation rate can be within a range ofapproximately 1-6 times the release rate. In some specific embodiments,the recirculation rate can be about 2 times the release rate. In otherembodiments the recirculation rate can be any convenient and/or desiredrate.

Tank 112 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some typicalembodiments, the tank 112 can be circular cylindrical, and can have aheight to diameter ratio of about 1-50. In some embodiments, the heightto diameter ratio can be about 5. In other embodiments, the height todiameter ratio can be any convenient and/or desired ratio. The tank 112can be desirably sized to a specific pump flow.

By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments a 100 gallon tankwith a two times turnover rate can require a 200 gallon pump. In otherembodiments, the tank volume can vary from about 1 to 20 times the pumpflow. In a specific embodiment, the tank volume can be sized to provideabout 60 seconds retention or contact time. In such an embodiment, theretention time can vary, for example, from about 2 seconds to about 60minutes.

A degas valve 138 can release gasses from the tank 112, such as airand/or oxygen that are not converted to ozone by the ozone generator. Insome embodiments a degas valve 138 can comprise a small orifice having asize of, for example, about 0.02 to 0.25 inch. A small orifice canensure that pressure is maintained in the tank 112 while the degas valve138 is open. The size of the orifice can vary with the size of the tank112 and the amount of gas to be released. In some embodiments, the degasvalve 138 can desirably comprise a float which can maintain the waterlevel to within a few inches of the top of the tank 112. The float canmove upward to close the orifice, and can drop to release or bleed offgas using a dip pipe 137 to maintain a water level 147. In someembodiments, the degas valve 138 can maintain the water level to anyconvenient and/or desirable level with respect to the geometry of thetank 112. In some embodiments, degas valve 138 can comprise any knownand/or convenient mechanism for desirably releasing gasses from tank112.

In operation under the condition of no water exiting through the exitoutlet 140, the pump 128 can continuously recirculate the water in thetank 112. The contact tank 112 can operate at a pressure that can be setby the incoming pressure regulator 118. A pressure gauge 139 can providean indication of the operating pressure.

In operation of an embodiment, upon the system being turned on, thevalve 120 opens and the pump 128 operates. Upon the system being turnedoff, the valve 120 closes and the pump 128 is deactivated. In oneembodiment, the pump 128 and valve 120 can be connected to a commonpower source. The inlet valve 120 can advantageously prevent the tank112 from being pressurized when the system is not operating. In someembodiments, valve 120 can be a solenoid valve. In other embodiments,valve 120 can be any known and/or convenient valve with desirableoperating characteristics.

An operating pressure can be set to any desired level. In operation ofsome typical embodiments, it can be set to about 5-200 psi. Per Henry'sgas law, solubility of ozone varies directly with gas pressure. Thus, insome embodiments, it can be desirable to provide increased gas pressurein order to increase the concentration of dissolved ozone in the fluid.

In operation of some embodiments, a pressure of about 40 ppm psi cantypically be sufficient to operate spray wash applications. The ozonatedwater 142 exiting the outlet 140 can be delivered to an applicationdevice such as a spray wash nozzle, thereby reducing the pressure toambient. The reduction in pressure can cause ozone gas to emerge fromsolution in the form of gas bubbles. Such gas bubbles can be ofmicroscopic size. In some applications, surface agitation and surfacesanitizing as provided by the ozone gas and ozonated water can provide atwo-stage gas and aqueous cleaning effect. Such two-stage cleaning canreduce cleaning time, and can be capable of sanitizing surfaces that aredifficult to clean using only ozonated water. The time reduction canprovide a significant benefit in many applications.

When treating water that contains chemicals, the very high levels ofdissolved ozone obtainable using the present system can provide a morerapid treatment than that provided by low ozone concentrations. Advancedoxidation involving ozone with hydrogen peroxide can also be employed inconjunction with the present system in order to produce effectivetreatments. In some such embodiments, hydrogen peroxide can be added tothe suction of the venturi eductor inlet 130. A tank volume can bedetermined and/or selected in order to provide sufficient treatment orcontact time to oxidize the contaminants. Such a sufficient treatmenttime can vary based on the type of contaminants and the amount ofcontaminants.

Some system embodiments can further comprise an ozone monitoring system150. FIG. 3 depicts details of such a system. A measurement of dissolvedozone can be provided by an ozone monitoring system 150 comprising adissolved ozone probe 151, a rotometer 152 that can measure and controlthe sample flow, and a dissolved ozone monitor 153. The ozone monitoringsystem 150 can be coupled with the tank 112, thereby providing themonitoring system with access to liquid within the tank. Sample ofliquid from within the tank 112 can be taken at or near the ozonatedexit outlet 140 and discharged to waste after flowing past the dissolvedozone probe 151. In some embodiments, the probe 151 can pass directlythrough the tank 112. In some embodiments in which the probe 151 passesdirectly through the tank 112, the probe 151 can pass through the tankat an angle, such as, by way on non-limiting example, 45 degreesrelative to the side of the tank 112. However in alternate embodimentsin which the probe 151 passes directly through the tank 112, the probe151 can pass through the tank 112 at any known, convenient and/ordesired angle relative to the side of the tank 112. The ozone monitor153 can provide an output signal 154. The output signal 154 can be acontrol signal responsive to the measurement of dissolved ozone and adesired level of dissolved ozone. In some embodiments, the output signal154 can be in a range of 4-20 ma, and can be employed as feedback to anozone generator 155. In other embodiments, the output signal 154 voltageor other signaling characteristic can be in any known and/or convenientrange, and can correspond to any known and/or convenient range ofdissolved ozone. Automatic dosage control for the ozone generator 155can be responsive to such feedback. That is, ozone generator 155 canprovide ozone 156, responsive to the ozone monitor 153 output signal 154received by the ozone generator 155. In some typical embodiments, adissolved ozone signal of 4 to 20 ma can correspond respectively to arange of 0 to 10 ppm of dissolved ozone. In other embodiments, thesignal range can correspond to a range of 0 to 1 ppm of dissolved ozone,or a range of 0 to 20 ppm of dissolved ozone. In yet other embodiments,the signal range can correspond to any known and/or convenient range ofdissolved ozone.

Diagram 400 of FIG. 4 depicts steps of a method for dissolving ozone ina liquid. Although some descriptions herein characterize the liquid aswater, the embodiments are not so limited. Other liquids, such as by wayof non-limiting examples, oils, can be employed.

In step 402, a flow of a liquid into a tank is provided. In diagram 100,pipe 134 provides for such a flow into tank 112.

In step 404, ozone 156 can be introduced into a flow of a liquid into atank. In diagram 100, ozone inlet 130 (also described as a venturi inletand/or a venture eductor) provides for introduction of ozone into pipe134 and thereby into the flow of the liquid into the tank 112.

In step 405, the ozone 156 can be generated responsive to a measurementof dissolved ozone within liquid in the tank 112. An ozone monitoringsystem 150 can provide the measurement. The monitoring system 150 canprovide a control signal 154 responsive to the measurement and a desiredlevel of dissolved ozone within the liquid within the tank 112. An ozonegenerator 155 can generate ozone 156 responsive to the control signal154.

In step 406, liquid in the tank 112 can be recirculated. In diagram 100,liquid can circulate and recirculate in a specific path. Liquid canenter inlet tube 124 through one or more apertures 126, and be drawntowards pump 128 by the action of the pump 128. The liquid can flowthrough pipe 134 and be discharged into an upper region 146 of the tank112. The liquid can flow from discharge 136 through the tank and to theinlet tube 124 apertures 126, thus recirculating. In some embodiments,the liquid can be recirculated at a rate within a range of 1 to 6 timesa release rate for releasing liquid from the tank 112. Diagram 100depicts the liquid ozonated water 142 released from the tank 112 viaexit outlet 140.

In step 408, the flow of the liquid can be pumped. In diagram 100, pump128 can pump the liquid at a pressure sufficient to produce a vacuum atthe venturi inlet 130. The vacuum at the venturi inlet 130 can besufficient to draw some ozone into pipe 134 at the inlet 130.

In step 410, liquid can be received into the tank at a distance from anexit outlet. In diagram 100, liquid can be received into the tank 112 atdischarge 136, with discharge 136 spaced at a distance 145 to exitoutlet 140. The distance 145 corresponds to providing a contact timeduring which ozone can dissolve into the liquid, and during whichcontact time the liquid can become degassed.

In step 412, liquid can be released from the tank. In diagram 100,ozonated water 142 can be released from the tank via exit outlet 140.The released ozonated water 142 can thereby be depressurized, providingfor ozone to emerge from the liquid. Ozone can emerge from the liquid asgas bubbles.

The execution of the sequences of instructions required to practice theembodiments can be performed by a computer system 500 as shown in FIG.5. In an embodiment, execution of the sequences of instructions isperformed by a single computer system 500. According to otherembodiments, two or more computer systems 500 coupled by a communicationlink 515 can perform the sequence of instructions in coordination withone another. Although a description of only one computer system 500 willbe presented below, however, it should be understood that any number ofcomputer systems 500 can be employed to practice the embodiments.

A computer system 500 according to an embodiment will now be describedwith reference to FIG. 5, which is a block diagram of the functionalcomponents of a computer system 500. As used herein, the term computersystem 500 is broadly used to describe any computing device that canstore and independently run one or more programs.

Each computer system 500 can include a communication interface 514coupled to the bus 506. The communication interface 514 provides two-waycommunication between computer systems 500. The communication interface514 of a respective computer system 500 transmits and receiveselectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, that include datastreams representing various types of signal information, e.g.,instructions, messages and data. A communication link 515 links onecomputer system 500 with another computer system 500. For example, thecommunication link 515 can be a LAN, in which case the communicationinterface 514 can be a LAN card, or the communication link 515 can be aPSTN, in which case the communication interface 514 can be an integratedservices digital network (ISDN) card or a modem, or the communicationlink 515 can be the Internet, in which case the communication interface514 can be a dial-up, cable or wireless modem.

A computer system 500 can transmit and receive messages, data, andinstructions, including program, i.e., application, code, through itsrespective communication link 515 and communication interface 514.Received program code can be executed by the respective processor(s) 507as it is received, and/or stored in the storage device 510, or otherassociated non-volatile media, for later execution.

In an embodiment, the computer system 500 operates in conjunction with adata storage system 531, e.g., a data storage system 531 that contains adatabase 532 that is readily accessible by the computer system 500. Thecomputer system 500 communicates with the data storage system 531through a data interface 533. A data interface 533, which is coupled tothe bus 506, transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic oroptical signals, that include data streams representing various types ofsignal information, e.g., instructions, messages and data. Inembodiments, the functions of the data interface 533 can be performed bythe communication interface 514.

Computer system 500 includes a bus 506 or other communication mechanismfor communicating instructions, messages and data, collectively,information, and one or more processors 507 coupled with the bus 506 forprocessing information. Computer system 500 also includes a main memory508, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storagedevice, coupled to the bus 506 for storing dynamic data and instructionsto be executed by the processor(s) 507. The main memory 508 also can beused for storing temporary data, i.e., variables, or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions by the processor(s) 507.

The computer system 500 can further include a read only memory (ROM) 509or other static storage device coupled to the bus 506 for storing staticdata and instructions for the processor(s) 507. A storage device 510,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, can also be provided andcoupled to the bus 506 for storing data and instructions for theprocessor(s) 507.

A computer system 500 can be coupled via the bus 506 to a display device511, such as, but not limited to, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or aliquid-crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to auser. An input device 512, e.g., alphanumeric and other keys, is coupledto the bus 506 for communicating information and command selections tothe processor(s) 507.

According to one embodiment, an individual computer system 500 performsspecific operations by their respective processor(s) 507 executing oneor more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the mainmemory 508. Such instructions can be read into the main memory 508 fromanother computer-usable medium, such as the ROM 509 or the storagedevice 510. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in themain memory 508 causes the processor(s) 507 to perform the processesdescribed herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry canbe used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus,embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and/or software.

The term “computer-usable medium,” as used herein, refers to any mediumthat provides information or is usable by the processor(s) 507. Such amedium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile,volatile and transmission media. Non-volatile media, i.e., media thatcan retain information in the absence of power, includes the ROM 509, CDROM, magnetic tape, and magnetic discs. Volatile media, i.e., media thatcan not retain information in the absence of power, includes the mainmemory 508. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 506.Transmission media can also take the form of carrier waves; i.e.,electromagnetic waves that can be modulated, as in frequency, amplitudeor phase, to transmit information signals. Additionally, transmissionmedia can take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as thosegenerated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described withreference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes can be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Forexample, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering andcombination of process actions shown in the process flow diagramsdescribed herein is merely illustrative, and that using different oradditional process actions, or a different combination or ordering ofprocess actions can be used to enact the embodiments. The specificationand drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan restrictive sense.

It should also be noted that the present invention can be implemented ina variety of computer systems. The various techniques described hereincan be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both.Preferably, the techniques are implemented in computer programsexecuting on programmable computers that each include a processor, astorage medium readable by the processor (including volatile andnon-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device,and at least one output device. Program code is applied to data enteredusing the input device to perform the functions described above and togenerate output information. The output information is applied to one ormore output devices. Each program is preferably implemented in a highlevel procedural or object oriented programming language to communicatewith a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented inassembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language canbe a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program ispreferably stored on a storage medium or device (e.g., ROM or magneticdisk) that is readable by a general or special purpose programmablecomputer for configuring and operating the computer when the storagemedium or device is read by the computer to perform the proceduresdescribed above. The system can also be considered to be implemented asa computer-readable storage medium, configured with a computer program,where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in aspecific and predefined manner. Further, the storage elements of theexemplary computing applications can be relational or sequential (flatfile) type computing databases that are capable of storing data invarious combinations and configurations.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described indetail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyadditional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodimentswithout materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages ofthe invention. Accordingly, these and all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

For example, the configuration and arrangement of the system can bemodified. While the figures show recirculation of the water from thelower region to the upper region of the tank, the recirculation canoccur generally between a first region and a second region of anenclosure. A liquid other than water can be used. Different chemistries,process parameters, and process conditions can be used and optimized fortreating different contaminants and producing the desired ozonated waterfor different applications. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claimsalong with their full scope of equivalents.

1. A system for dissolving ozone in a liquid, comprising: a tankcomprising an upper region, a lower region coupled with the upperregion, and a discharge outlet disposed between the upper region and thelower region; a pipe coupled with the tank and the discharge outlet; aliquid inlet configured to provide a liquid; a pump coupled with thepipe and the liquid inlet and configured to receive the liquid from theliquid inlet, and, deliver the liquid via the pipe to the upper region;and, an ozone inlet coupled with the pipe and configured to receiveozone, thereby providing ozone to the tank.
 2. The system of claim 1:wherein the ozone inlet comprises a venturi inlet disposed on the pipedownstream of the pump.
 3. The system of claim 2: wherein the pump isconfigured to pump the liquid at a sufficient pressure to produce avacuum at the venturi inlet, thereby drawing at least some of the ozoneinto the pipe.
 4. The system of claim 3 further comprising: a pressureregulator disposed between the liquid inlet and the pump; wherein thepressure regulator is configured to regulate pressure of the liquid;and, wherein the sufficient pressure is adequate to overcome a regulatedpressure set by the pressure regulator.
 5. The system of claim 2 furthercomprising: a static mixer coupled with the pipe and disposed downstreamof the ozone inlet and upstream of the tank.
 6. The system of claim 1further comprising: a degas valve coupled with the tank and configuredto release gas from the tank.
 7. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: an inlet tube coupled between the liquid inlet and the pump,the inlet tube disposed in the lower region of the tank; wherein theinlet tube comprises at least one aperture configured to extract liquidfrom the tank, thereby recirculating the liquid via the pipe to thetank.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: an exit outletcoupled with the tank; wherein the system is configured to deliver theliquid to the upper region of the tank at a location spaced from theexit outlet, thereby providing a contact time for dissolving ozone inthe liquid and degassing the liquid.
 9. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a valve disposed between the liquid inlet and the pump. 10.The system of claim 1 further comprising: an exit outlet coupled withthe tank; wherein the tank is configured to maintain a pressure higherthan an ambient pressure outside the tank and proximate to the exitoutlet.
 11. The system of claim 1 further comprising: an ozonemonitoring system coupled with the tank and configured to provide ameasurement of dissolved ozone within the tank, and, provide a controlsignal responsive to the measurement; and, an ozone generator coupledwith the ozone inlet and configured to receive the control signal, and,provide the ozone responsive to the control signal.
 12. A method ofdissolving ozone in a liquid, comprising the steps of: introducing ozoneinto a flow of a liquid in a pipe into a tank; recirculating at least aportion of the liquid from the tank via the pipe into the tank; and,releasing the liquid from the tank, thereby depressurizing the liquidand providing for at least some of the ozone to emerge from the liquidas gas bubbles.
 13. The method of claim 12: wherein the ozone isintroduced into the flow of the liquid via a venturi inlet, and, theventuri inlet is on the pipe.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising the step of: pumping the flow of the liquid at a sufficientpressure, thereby producing a vacuum at the venturi inlet; wherein thevacuum is sufficient to draw at least some of the ozone into the pipe.15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: providing arelease rate for releasing the liquid from the tank; wherein the liquidis recirculated at a recirculation rate within a range of 1 to 6 timesthe release rate.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising thesteps of: measuring dissolved ozone within the tank, thereby providing ameasurement; providing a control signal responsive to the measurement;and, generating the ozone responsive to the control signal.
 17. A methodof dissolving ozone in a liquid, comprising the steps of: providing aflow of a liquid in a pipe into a tank; introducing ozone into the flowof the liquid via a venturi inlet, wherein the venturi inlet is on thepipe; pumping the flow of the liquid at a sufficient pressure, therebyproducing a vacuum at the venturi inlet; and, recirculating at least aportion of the liquid from the tank via the pipe into the tank; whereinthe vacuum is sufficient to draw at least some of the ozone into thepipe.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:receiving the flow of the liquid into the tank at a distance from anexit outlet, thereby providing a contact time for dissolving ozone inthe liquid and degassing the liquid.
 19. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising the steps of: measuring dissolved ozone within the tank,thereby providing a measurement; providing a control signal responsiveto the measurement; and, generating the ozone responsive to the controlsignal.